Source: European Parliament
15.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002080/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Costas Mavrides (S&D)
EU citizens are among those facing criminal charges of usurpation or unlawful business involvement with properties in the occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus (RoC), mainly for acting as intermediaries for construction companies operating in the occupied territory, promoting or selling luxury accommodation built on illegally seized property owned by Greek Cypriots. So far, citizens of Germany, Italy, Hungary, Czechia and Portugal have been arrested and/or charged in the RoC for illegal involvement and activities.
Such incidents represent a clear violation of rulings by the Court of Justice of the EU and of the rule of law. They deserve special attention as EU citizens are at the centre of the violations.
Moreover, these violations are part of the blatant, cynical policy of the occupying Turkish regime to gain legitimacy by establishing economic ties with the EU via lucrative though illegal property and development deals, using EU citizens as buyers, promoters or middlemen.
- 1.Is the Commission aware that EU citizens are involved in such illegal property dealings in the occupied territory of Cyprus?
- 2.What measures does it intend to take aimed at preventing similar cases in the future, safeguarding the rule of law in the EU and protecting EU citizens’ rights?
Submitted: 15.10.2024